Description
Deliciously crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders coated in a savory and sweet honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed for the best texture)
Honey Garlic Marinade
- ¼ cup honey (adds a delightful sweetness)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for richness and flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds aromatic intensity)
Coating
- 1 tsp paprika (adds subtle warmth and color)
- 1 tsp salt (enhances overall flavor)
- ½ tsp black pepper (provides a hint of spice)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular for a crispy coating)
Other
- Cooking spray (ensures even cooking and prevents sticking)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Prepare the honey garlic marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir well until fully blended into a flavorful marinade.
- Mix the breadcrumb coating: In another bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Marinate the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic marinade, allowing any excess to drip off to prevent sogginess.
- Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs: Press each marinated chicken tender firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides for that signature crispy texture.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Arrange chicken in the basket: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they do not overlap. Then spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become evenly golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness, and then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken tenders for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra crunch, double bread the tenders by dipping again in the honey garlic marinade and breadcrumbs.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crisping.
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking for optimal texture.
- Serve with a variety of sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, chicken tenders, air fryer recipes, easy chicken recipes, honey garlic chicken
